Four B.C. schools get top marks in new ranking of Canada's best universities

The fall semester is underway at post-secondary institutions, and four B.C. schools are celebrating that they have been named among the best universities in Canada in Maclean’s Canadian university rankings for 2027.

Maclean’s shifted the methodology of its education rankings this year to make the results “more user-friendly and easier to understand.”

Universities have been put into three categories based on size:

• Large universities have over 30,000 full-time equivalent students
• Mid-Size universities are ones with 10,000 to 30,000 full-time equivalent students
• Small universities currently have fewer than 10,000 full-time equivalent students

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Maclean’s ranked the University of British Columbia third in the best large universities category.

“UBC boasts a strong record in the number of Rhodes Scholars it has produced and the number of faculty who have received 3M National Teaching Fellowships,” said the publication.

“UBC operates Canada’s largest student housing program, including the 650-bed Exchange Residence that features 71 ‘nano’ (140 sq. ft.) suites.”

McGill University and the University of Toronto just beat out UBC for top spots in the category.

Two B.C. universities climbed to the top two spots in the mid-size universities category.

At number one was Simon Fraser University, which was praised for its flexible semester system and extensive co-op offerings.

“In addition to the original Burnaby campus — known for its stunning mountain views and Arthur Erickson-designed buildings — Simon Fraser University has well-established campuses in Vancouver’s downtown core and in the suburb of Surrey,” wrote Maclean’s.

“All three campuses have strong ties with their local communities.”

The University of Victoria was named the second-best in the mid-size category, with its natural setting being highlighted.

“The location also influences the identity of UVic, which has research strengths in ocean and climate health, Indigenous knowledge, clean growth, health sciences and sustainable communities,” explained Maclean’s.

The province was also represented in Canada’s Best Small Universities for 2027 by the University of Northern British Columbia.

UNBC placed second in the category, with its dedication to sustainability highlighted by the publication.

“The school’s heating system, which uses biomass from sawmills, has earned environmental accolades from afar, and the Wood Innovation Research Laboratory is recognized as a Passive House, meaning it uses significantly less energy than a standard building.”

Several other B.C. schools also made the list of top small universities in the country, including University of the Fraser Valley at number 18 and Vancouver Island University at number 22.

The full 2027 university rankings can be found online.